“And narrate to them the stories (of the Ambiya and Auliya) so that they reflect.” (Qur’aan)
“Everything We narrate to you from the stories of the Messengers is to strengthen your heart. In these (stories) have come the Truth (Haqq), Advice (Naseehat) and a Reminder for the Mu’mineen.” (Hood, Aayat 120)
In these Verses Allah Ta’ala addresses our Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The stories of the Ambiya and Rusul of bygone times served the purpose of strengthening even the heart of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam).
These stories fortify the hearts of the Mu’mineen by virtue of the spiritual blessings with which they are imbued. The stories of the Ambiya and the Auliya remind the Mu’mineen of the objective (Maqsood) of life on earth. These narratives slacken worldly ties, forge greater affinity and concern for the Aakhirat, and draw the servant closer to his Rabb.
The firmness of resolve, the patience and the sufferings of the Ambiya (Alayhimus salaam) are narrated by Allah Ta’ala so that we gain inspiration to tread the Path leading to Allah Ta’ala – the Path which all the Ambiya (Alayhimus salaam) came to show.
While we, people of gross Imaani deficiency, are not expected to meticulously implement in practical life the extreme and lofty state of Zuhd (Austerity and Abstemiousness) of the Ambiya, the minimum and fundamental requisite is to walk in their Shadow and to meticulously follow the Sunnah of our Nabi Muhammad (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) whose Ta’leem is the embodiment of all the virtues and excellences of all the Ambiya (Alayhimus salaam).
The Ambiya (Alayhimus salaam) were mocked, jeered, persecuted and tortured. Numerous of them were horribly put to death by the kuffaar. Their lives were one String of Sacrifices like a string of pearls. Worldly prosperity, wealth and luxury were bestowed to some Ambiya. They were exceptions to the general rule ordained by Allah Ta’ala for His Ambiya (Alayhimus salaam).
Thus, in addition to Nubuwwat, Allah Ta’ala bestowed kingdom to Nabi Sulaimaan (Alayhis salaam), and immense wealth to Nabi Ayyub (Alayhis salaam). But this was not the norm for the Ambiya (Alayhimus salaam). The mission of the Ambiya was the Maqsood of the Aakhirah, not the Dunya which Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said is jeefah (carrion).
The Mu’mineen were not created for enjoying this worldly jeefah. That is why Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:
“What is my relationship with this world? My similitude is that of a traveller on horseback in the desert resting in the shade of a tree. Then he departs (issuing forth into the desert, heading for his destination – home).”
Our destination and home is Jannat.
Jaalhaque 